Meaning
To want something very much.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of Russian 'Toast Culture'. A good toast should be emotional and sincere, often using 'горячо желаю'. 19th-century writers used this to show a character's 'noble soul'. If a character 'горячо желает' something, they are usually a protagonist. The phrase was used in official slogans to show the 'burning passion' of the workers for the cause. Used by influencers when talking about 'manifesting' dreams or sharing deep personal goals.
The Case Secret
If you forget the Genitive case, just use an infinitive verb after 'желать'. It's much easier! (e.g., 'желаю победить' instead of 'желаю победы').
Don't be too 'Hot'
In very casual settings, this phrase can sound sarcastic. Stick to 'очень хочу' with close friends unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Meaning
To want something very much.
The Case Secret
If you forget the Genitive case, just use an infinitive verb after 'желать'. It's much easier! (e.g., 'желаю победить' instead of 'желаю победы').
Don't be too 'Hot'
In very casual settings, this phrase can sound sarcastic. Stick to 'очень хочу' with close friends unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Toast Master
If you are asked to give a toast in Russia, starting with 'Я горячо желаю...' will immediately impress the hosts with your eloquence.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the noun in the Genitive case.
Я горячо желаю вам (удача) _______.
The verb 'желать' requires the Genitive case.
Which situation is appropriate for 'горячо желать'?
When would you use this phrase?
'Горячо желать' is for sincere, formal wishes.
Complete the dialogue.
— Завтра у меня важный экзамен. — О! Я _______ желаю тебе успеха!
'Горячо желать' is the standard collocation for intense wishing.
Match the Russian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations based on register.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesЯ горячо желаю вам (удача) _______.
The verb 'желать' requires the Genitive case.
When would you use this phrase?
'Горячо желать' is for sincere, formal wishes.
— Завтра у меня важный экзамен. — О! Я _______ желаю тебе успеха!
'Горячо желать' is the standard collocation for intense wishing.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations based on register.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey mean the same thing, but 'горячо желать' is more formal, literary, and sincere. 'Сильно хотеть' is neutral and everyday.
Yes, but 'страстно желать' (to passionately desire) is more common for romantic attraction. 'Горячо желать' sounds more like you wish for their well-being.
It almost always takes the Genitive case (чего?).
Yes, especially at the end of an email when wishing someone success or health.
Literally, yes. Figuratively, it means 'fervently' or 'intensely'.
No, that is not a phrase. If you don't care, you just don't wish anything!
Yes, it's very common in formal speeches, cards, and literature.
'Желать' is imperfective (the state of desiring), 'пожелать' is perfective (the act of making a wish).
No, that would sound like a joke. Use 'очень хочу'.
No, it's the opposite of slang. It's quite high-register.
Related Phrases
Искренне желать
similarTo sincerely wish
Жаждать
synonymTo thirst for
Стремиться
builds onTo strive for
Мечтать
similarTo dream about
